Z1100R or Zephyr 750 Kayaba rear shocks?

Can anyone help me decide the bike these Kayaba shocks are from. I was told they are from a Z1100R!
a few details make me think they are Zephyr 750 shocks, Like grey shiny paint under the Thin gold paint, Chrome spring adjusters not Black Zinc, original Grey painted lower mounts not Black. the springs also only have 12 or 13 turns!
Do you think it will be ok to use these for a Z1100R if they are Zephyr 750 shocks as the Z1100R was a much heaver bike.

Those aren't ZRX1100/1200 shocks, they do look like my Zephyr 750 shocks. My 750 Zephyr is the spongiest softest suspension I've ever rode, it sucks badly. You can try them but I'm betting you're going to be unhappy unless you just want a super soft ride.

Les Holt

I have a set of 1100 Zephyr shocks and yours do not resemble my shocks.

Thanks Les, the shock bodies to me seem the same Z1100R and Zephyr, I was hoping to see if I can get the springs upgraded if this is possible. as i'm trying to keep as much of my bike original looking.

Thanks Mcdroid, Yes they used different shocks on the 1100 Zephyr. could be to do with what Les says.

I really can't say a 1100 shock is different having never had one in the shop but I can say the 750 is much different.
750 Zephyr on right, ZRX on left, ZRX definitely a better built shock.


Les Holt

Thanks Les for your photo and help, Yes im 100% with you. I used to have a ZRX1100 and agree the shocks are better than the Z1100R and Zephyr 750 shocks. I'm restoring my old Z1100R and trying to keep as many parts original looking as possible.
But ended up buying some second hand shocks, believing they were Z1100R. but they do seem to look more Zephyr 750 under the thin coat of home sprayed Gold! I have think even though the Z1100R and Zephyr 750 shocks boddies are the same, the springs may be different as the Zephyr 750 is a lighter bike than the Z1100R. I have e-mailed firefox who rebuild shocks to see if they can provide me with suitable springs. The ZRX shocks would make a good replacement if I cant upgrade the springs.

cruzi wrote: Thanks Les for your photo and help, Yes im 100% with you. I used to have a ZRX1100 and agree the shocks are better than the Z1100R and Zephyr 750 shocks. I'm restoring my old Z1100R and trying to keep as many parts original looking as possible.
But ended up buying some second hand shocks, believing they were Z1100R. but they do seem to look more Zephyr 750 under the thin coat of home sprayed Gold! I have think even though the Z1100R and Zephyr 750 shocks boddies are the same, the springs may be different as the Zephyr 750 is a lighter bike than the Z1100R. I have e-mailed firefox who rebuild shocks to see if they can provide me with suitable springs. The ZRX shocks would make a good replacement if I cant upgrade the springs.

Hi,

I have Zephyr 1100, zrx1100 and Ohlins shocks, those do not look like any of them. GOOD news, all of the piggy back KYB shocks can be rebuilt, re-valved and re-sprung. Jamie Daughtery of DRM www.daughertymotorsports.com/ totally awesome guy, stupid smart about suspension, and the only guy I trust to do my suspension work. He has his own cartridge system and can re-valve any KYB or showa shock. I also had him rebuild and modify an old Fox twin-clicker to fit my RZ350. He does motorcycle shocks for fun, his real job is rebuilding and setting up Nascar and other pro racers shocks.

Thanks for info, yes I know the Zephyr 1100 has different shocks to the ones I have, I am having stronger springs fitted By Maxton and they will also be making a reducer collar for them, There is a local place here in North Wiltshire I have just been found out, MH Racing who specialise only in shocks. I have had a quote from Firefox too to rebuild and repaint them. So they will suit my Z1100R, as they are the same bodies used as standard for the bike it should keep it original Looking. I'm also hoping to get the chrome stepped spring collar Black chromed similar to how they looked when made for Z1100R, its a lot of faffing about 3 people working on a set of shocks but should be worth it when finished.